Located at the heart of Malaybalay City, the capital of Bukidnon Province in Mindanao is the Kaamulan Ground – a nature park that serves as an activity area, refuge and recollection, picnic and outdoor area for everyone to enjoy. Being a land-lock province, Bukidnon is surrounded by greeneries.

“Kaamulan” is derived from the tribal word “amul” which means “gather”. It is during these gathering where in the different tribes’ people of Bukidnon celebrate something special, like a ritual for becoming a Datu, a feast of thanksgiving or even a wedding ceremony. These tribes living in the region are named Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon and Umayamnon. Kaamulan Park was created to show appreciation to these tribes for their efforts to maintain their culture.

Being in the highlands of the province, the area has a cool temperature. I find the park really scenic with its rolling hills and pine trees scattered everywhere. The smell of pines and the unsullied air is such a respite from urban life. During my visit, it felt like I was at home in Baguio City.

One thing I enjoyed the most was the easy trek to the Bukidnon Provincial Tree Park or as some would call it, the Kaamulan Peak. It was just around 30-45 minutes’ walk. From the top, I got to see a bird’s eye view of Malaybalay – from its farm lands to Bukidnon’s mountainscape, and even a sight of the entire city and its verdant surroundings.

So, if you happen to visit Bukidnon – spend a day at this park to relax, to learn more of the people’s culture or just commune with nature.